Knowledge is Power

Info for New Independent Artists:

•Recently, laws have been put in place to protect artist‘s royalty rights in the digital streaming section and two agencies were created to help govern and facilitate the distribution from the digital streaming platforms to the Artist. It’s free to register and use their services.
FOR USA ARTISTS:
1). The MLC
2). SoundExchange
SoundExchange in depth guides for registration:

https://www.soundexchange.com/resources/useful-links/

•Also, choose one performing rights agency (PRO), for collecting royalties from your music that is being used on other public platforms other than digital streaming.
See my guides on the last link below, for more information on choosing which one that works best for your career goals.
AND,
•When you can afford to, don’t forget to register your work to the USA copyright office at:
www.copyright.gov
(note: It’s cheaper to register a whole album or EP, rather than each single work!)

•USA & WORLDWIDE ARTISTS:
DistroKid offers a Free service to prevent fraudulent royalties claims from imposters. Free to register for all artists, regardless if they purchase their distribution services or not.
Register here:
Distrolock

DIY TOOLS:

Ive researched many options for independent DIY music tools. In my opinion , there are many companies that are taking advantage of people who don’t know any better and charging too much for basic services. So, here are the 3 best, cheapest (or even Free!) options for doing it ALL!!(storing media, collaborating, meta-data management and publishing/distribution).
*Using the above links to register your work are a part of the self publishing options. It’s definitely more work, but keeps you in control of your work & saves $$!
Here are the other 3 main services that are optimal & necessary to your business of music:

1.) Media Cloud Storage/Share:
Sync has been around for quite a while and is user friendly, simple to use with a referral program. Free for life unless you need more data storage than the free option provides. The pro upgrade option is cheap with unlimited storage!! With this service, you can send your media to the professional industries, so they can view/listen to your work without having to deal with the hassle having to hear ads on the digital streaming services that they might not subscribe to.
https://www.sync.com/?_sync_refer=c79677660

2.) Meta-Data Organization/Collaboration/Automation:
Spreadsheet is a company that is not just a spreadsheet program, it offers more functionality than any other spreadsheet program available! They also have been around for many years. It’s Free to use, with a cheap upgrade option as well as a referral program! The templates and tutorials are very user friendly. As a spreadsheet freak, I was excited to see this option! A must have for any business!

SPREADSHEET

3.) Distribution/Publishing:
Many options are available. Some companies better than others. I have a spreadsheet comparison chart that I’m updating and will add the link soon! Your choice depends on what services you want. (ie: distrokid, tunecore, BeatStars, etc).
*For those who want to take it deeper, and can afford to:
1.) Pay for a publishing license provided by your PRO (performing rights agency), you can be your own label!
2a.) Register/pay to be your own distribution company.
The annual $265. membership fee (for sole proprietor/small businesses).
2b.) Learn the protocol language syntax for uploading to the digital streaming services.
It is possible to become your own streaming service! (ie: same as what iTunes, Spotify, etc. does)!
With this option , the cost for uploading a track to the World Wide Web=$0!!
See this link:

https://ddex.net/
*note: if you choose the DDEX option, and also would like to do physical distribution (merch/cds/vinyl), you will have to find a company for that. I will update on the best company options with another spreadsheet link soon!
_________
FREE •DAW (Digital Audio Writer)

1). BandLab (Cakewalk)

A Free web/mobile all-in-1 program, user friendly, collaboration options, social site, contests, and other free sounds/tools, including mastering! They continue to improve and geared towards supporting the artists with free services

BANDLAB

2). Audacity

This Open source program is a great option and no upgrade necessary to get your tracks done! Not technically a full Daw, but great for editing and more.
https://sourceforge.net/projects/audacity/

3). Ampify Studio

These guys are a hidden gem. Focusrite is the parent company. Simple user interface and easy to learn! The full upgrade option is cheap, under $10/mo., but not necessary. The free version comes with a few free non-exclusive soundpacks and a few more if you register your email. *Note: you cannot import your own tracks unless you upgrade.
They offer a 30-Day free premium trial for the upgrade & the premium options include: unlimited usage of their soundpacks, more section channels, and audio import.

https://ampifymusic.com/subscription/plans

Vh9 Guides